A murder investigation has been launched after a teenager was stabbed to death outside a popular shopping centre.

Police were called following reports of a seriously injured male in Croydon, south London at around 7pm last night.

They found the victim, who is believed to be 17, with serious stab injuries. Officers administered first aid before the London Ambulance Service arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident took place on Croydon's pedestrianised North End road, which runs alongside the Whitgift shopping centre.

Croydon Central MP Sarah Jones tweeted: 'Very, very sad that a boy has been murdered in Croydon tonight. All my thoughts are with his family and friends. She later told the London evening standard 'Tonight, in Croydon, I am praying for a life lost, a family devastated, and a community in shock.'

Police believe they know the identity of the victim, who has not been named as enquiries are under way to locate his next of kin. Scotland Yard said detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command are investigating, that a cordon remains in place at the scene and no arrests have been made.

Formal identification and a post-mortem examination will also be arranged.  Anyone with information that may assist the investigation should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.